Some 48 million families may avail of a $30 discount on internet fees every month under the federal government's new Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which will go a long way for families trying to tighten belts and cut down on expenses.
The program, announced in November 2021, is part of the Biden administration's Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and has replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program created during the pandemic. According to CNBC, more than 13.4 million households have enrolled in the program since Dec. 31, 2021, including the nine million households benefitting from the previous initiative.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) handles the enrollment process in cooperation with over 20 major internet providers in the U.S. For some families, the discount could run up to $75 a month if they belong to a tribal household.
How to join the Affordable Connectivity Program?
Priority of enrollment in ACP is given to low-income families who will need an internet connection for school or work. Households already part of the existing LIFELINE program from the federal government, which offers a $9 monthly discount on internet service, may still enroll at ACP so they can avail of two discounted rates. Lifeline enrollees may skip the ACP enrollment process altogether and simply contact their internet provider for the ACP benefit.
Families enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Medicaid may also opt into ACP and shorten their enrollment process. Those not part of any of these federal programs may present their proof of income during enrollment.
A household income below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines is highly eligible. The FCC has also provided the necessary requirements to show proof that a family qualifies via the APC official site.
Applications may be made at the official site or through a mail-in process via ACP Support Center, PO Box 7081, London, KY 40742. Interested parties may also contact their internet service provider to arrange the new plan. The provider may ask for additional requirements and completed forms, so prepare the necessary paperwork before submitting anything.
Online applications, however, receive the fastest response or approval. Once that gets underway, families should see the discounted amount on their internet bill. They may follow up with their service provider if it's not yet reflected.
Is the ACP for life?
Currently, the federal government has not given the program an end date, meaning families may keep enjoying the discounted rate for as long as it's active. However, it is the household's responsibility to inform the ACP or their provider if they no longer qualify or if their income has risen above the poverty guidelines.
According to the White House, the typical download speed for an internet service under the ACP is 100 Mbps. This speed is ideal for a family of four who is video streaming, conferencing, or downloading.
In addition to the rate discount, the ACP also provides families a one-time $100 discount for families who may need to buy a new laptop, computer, or tablet from the participating providers. They must coordinate with the internet service company to arrange for this discount.
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